Starlink Satellites Ruin Astronomy Photos

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Starlink Satellites Ruin Astronomy Photos

A Space X Starlink satellite is being blamed for ruining photos of the NEOWISE comet.

Space X, Amazon and a number of other companies are racing to deploy networks of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet access. Unfortunately, however, they may have a significant downside.

Astronomers have warned that tens of thousands of objects orbiting the planet could have a disastrous impact on efforts to observe the universe. Many of the satellites are highly reflective, possibly creating light interference. Even ones designed not to be reflective, can still physically interfere with line-of-sight if their orbit takes them between an observer and the object being observed. It appears those concerns are not without merit.

According to The International Business Times, astrophotographer Daniel Lopez was recording pictures of NEOWISE when Starlink comments passed in from of the comet. The end result was photos with light streaks from the satellites, effectively blocking a good shot of NEOWISE.

As more and more companies gain permission to launch satellites, this issue will need to be addressed. Otherwise, astronomers may find their profession exponentially more difficult.

Starlink Satellites Ruin Astronomy Photos
Matt Milano

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Google Fails to Stop Full-Blown EU Fitbit Investigation

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Google Fails to Stop Full-Blown EU Fitbit Investigation

It appears Google’s efforts to prevent an investigation into its Fitbit acquisition have been unsuccessful, with the EU ready to launch a full antitrust probe.

Google recently announced a deal to purchase wearable maker Fitbit for $2.1 billion. Almost immediately, the deal drew scrutiny from US and EU officials over concerns about data privacy. Given the vast amount of health data Fitbit has access to, officials were concerned about Google now having access to it. In addition, there were concerns Google might use that data to unfairly gain an advantage over its rivals.

The search giant has worked to assuage those concerns, vowing not to use the data in its advertising business. It appears those concessions were not enough, however, as CNBC is reporting the EU is planning on launching a full investigation.

Google has repeatedly said the deal is about the devices, rather than the data. Apple has a commanding lead in the wearables market, and Google is eager to become more competitive. A successful Fitbit deal would help it do just that.

Google Fails to Stop Full-Blown EU Fitbit Investigation
Matt Milano

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US Warns Brazil Over Looming Huawei Decision

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US Warns Brazil Over Looming Huawei Decision

US officials are not letting up on their campaign to isolate Huawei, as they are now threatening Brazil with “consequences” if the country chooses Huawei.

The US has been engaging in a campaign to isolate and contain Huawei, a firm believed to represent a security threat. While all Chinese firms are required to cooperate with the government, Huawei is seen as having unusually strong ties to Beijing and Chinese intelligence. As a result, US officials believe the company could serve as a means for Beijing to spy on governments and companies around the world.

The US’ efforts recently forced the UK to reconsider its decision to include Huawei in its 5G plans. Australia and New Zealand have both already instituted bans, after deeming Huawei a threat. That leaves Canada as the sole member of the ‘Five Eyes’ countries that has not yet made a final decision on whether to include or ban Huawei.

Now the US is ramping up pressure on other countries, including Brazil.

“I wouldn’t say there would be retaliation, but there would be consequences” said Ambassador Todd Chapman, according to The International Business Times when speaking of a possible decision to include Huawei.

US Warns Brazil Over Looming Huawei Decision
Matt Milano

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FCC Green Lights Amazon’s Kuiper Satellite Plans

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FCC Green Lights Amazon’s Kuiper Satellite Plans

Amazon has received the green light to move forward with its plans to launch a satellite constellation to provide internet access.

Amazon announced Project Kuiper last spring. The project is aimed at launching a satellite constellation in low earth orbit (LEO) to provide internet access to underserved communities around the world.

In a 5-0 vote, the FCC has approved Amazon’s plans, giving the company the go-ahead to move forward. Initially, Kuiper will involve some 3,236 satellites.

“We have heard so many stories lately about people who are unable to do their job or complete schoolwork because they don’t have reliable internet at home,” said Dave Limp, Senior Vice President, Amazon. “There are still too many places where broadband access is unreliable or where it doesn’t exist at all. Kuiper will change that. Our $10 billion investment will create jobs and infrastructure around the United States that will help us close this gap. We appreciate the FCC’s unanimous, bipartisan support on this issue, and I want to thank Chairman Pai and the rest of the Commission for taking this important first step with us. We’re off to the races.”

Following the FCC’s decision, Amazon vowed to invest some $10 billion in the project, with the goal of creating jobs and investing in infrastructure. With this announcement, it seems Starlink may have some stiff competition to content with.

FCC Green Lights Amazon’s Kuiper Satellite Plans
Matt Milano

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Apple Turns in Record-Breaking June Quarter

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Apple Turns in Record-Breaking June Quarter

Apple released its earnings report for the June quarter, and it was good news coming out of Cupertino.

Apple smashed its previous June quarter results, thanks to strong growth in both Products and Services.

“Apple’s record June quarter was driven by double-digit growth in both Products and Services and growth in each of our geographic segments,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “In uncertain times, this performance is a testament to the important role our products play in our customers’ lives and to Apple’s relentless innovation. This is a challenging moment for our communities, and, from Apple’s new $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative to a new commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, we’re living the principle that what we make and do should create opportunity and leave the world better than we found it.”

“Our June quarter performance was strong evidence of Apple’s ability to innovate and execute during challenging times,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO. “The record business results drove our active installed base of devices to an all-time high in all of our geographic segments and all major product categories. We grew EPS by 18 percent and generated operating cash flow of $16.3 billion during the quarter, a June quarter record for both metrics.”

In addition to its strong results, Apple announced a four-for-one stock split. The goal is to make Apple’s stocks more accessible to a wider array of investors.

Under normal circumstances this would be an excellent quarter. Under the cloud of the global pandemic, the results are nothing short of spectacular.

Apple Turns in Record-Breaking June Quarter
Matt Milano

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Facebook beats Q2 estimates with $18.69 billion in revenue and 2.7 billion monthly active users

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Facebook beat analysts' estimates in Q2 2020, raking in $18.69 billion in revenue and hitting 2.7 billion monthly active users across its platform.Read More

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Carnegie Mellon researchers use Twitch to collect sounds for AI research

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Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a live-streamed game designed to collect audio for AI and machine learning research.Read More

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